IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/manrev/v74y2024i1d10.1007_s11301-022-00299-0.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A systematic literature review on knowledge management in SMEs: current trends and future directions

Author

Listed:
  • Susanne Durst

    (Tallinn University of Technology)

  • Samuel Foli

    (Tallinn University of Technology)

  • Ingi Runar Edvardsson

    (University of Iceland)

Abstract

It is generally known that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a significant driver of employment and economic growth for the majority of world economies. At the same time, SMEs are more fragile in times of crisis which in turn restricts their possibilities for action. In such an environment, it appears even more relevant for SMEs to consider knowledge and its management. Given that, it seems relevant to have an in-depth understanding of knowledge management (KM) in SMEs so that it can be better promoted. Therefore, this paper conducts a systematic literature review of the extant literature on KM in SMEs to present a state-of-the-art understanding. The review covers 180 papers from leading journals that have been published between 2012 and 2022. The review provides insight into the diversity and evolution of KM in SME research and evaluates the extant body of literature covered. Additionally, a framework is proposed that relates existing research on KM to SMEs. The paper concludes with proposals for future research on KM in SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Susanne Durst & Samuel Foli & Ingi Runar Edvardsson, 2024. "A systematic literature review on knowledge management in SMEs: current trends and future directions," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 74(1), pages 263-288, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:74:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s11301-022-00299-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-022-00299-0
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11301-022-00299-0
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s11301-022-00299-0?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Micaela Martínez-Costa & Daniel Jiménez-Jiménez & Hammady Ahmed Dine Rabeh, 2019. "The effect of organisational learning on interorganisational collaborations in innovation: an empirical study in SMEs," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(2), pages 137-150, April.
    2. repec:igg:jkm000:v:17:y:2021:i:2:p:72-103 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Banjo Roxas & Martina Battisti & David Deakins, 2014. "Learning, innovation and firm performance: knowledge management in small firms," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(4), pages 443-453, November.
    4. Cerchione, Roberto & Esposito, Emilio, 2017. "Using knowledge management systems: A taxonomy of SME strategies," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 1551-1562.
    5. Piera Centobelli & Roberto Cerchione & Emilio Esposito, 2017. "Knowledge management systems: the hallmark of SMEs," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(2), pages 294-304, May.
    6. Roberto Cerchione & Emilio Esposito & Maria Rosaria Spadaro, 2016. "A literature review on knowledge management in SMEs," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 169-177, May.
    7. Banjo Roxas & Doren Chadee, 2016. "Knowledge management view of environmental sustainability in manufacturing SMEs in the Philippines," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(4), pages 514-524, November.
    8. Nan Kyung Kim & Joon Mo Ahn, 2020. "What facilitates external knowledge utilisation in SMEs? – An optimal configuration between openness intensity and organisational moderators," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(3), pages 210-234, March.
    9. Elsa Grimsdottir & Ingi Runar Edvardsson & Susanne Durst, 2019. "Knowledge creation in knowledge-intensive small and medium sized enterprises," International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 10(1), pages 75-94.
    10. Pedro Soto-Acosta & Simona Popa & Daniel Palacios-Marqués, 2017. "Social web knowledge sharing and innovation performance in knowledge-intensive manufacturing SMEs," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 42(2), pages 425-440, April.
    11. Marina Letonja & Mojca Duh, 2016. "Knowledge transfer in family businesses and its effects on the innovativeness of the next family generation," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 213-224, May.
    12. Luis Enrique Valdez-Juárez & Omar Javier Solano-Rodríguez & Dominique Philippe Martin, 2018. "Modes of learning and profitability in Colombian and Mexican SMEs," Post-Print halshs-01909818, HAL.
    13. Jelena Horvat & Kirti Sharma & Samo Bobek, 2016. "Key Factors for Knowledge Management: Pilot Study in IT SMEs," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 5(3), pages 32-40, July.
    14. Ankit Singh & Priya Ravi, 2022. "Lean six-sigma (LSS) applications in hospitals: a decade (2011–2020) bibliometric analysis," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 72(8), pages 2270-2291, April.
    15. Villar, Cristina & Alegre, Joaquín & Pla-Barber, José, 2014. "Exploring the role of knowledge management practices on exports: A dynamic capabilities view," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 38-44.
    16. Ruben Fotso, 2021. "Evaluating the indirect effects of cluster-based innovation policies: the case of the Technological Research Institutes in France [Évaluation des effets indirects des politiques d'innovation de typ," Post-Print halshs-03272438, HAL.
    17. Andrej Miklosik & Nina Evans & Maria Hasprova & Julia Lipianska, 2019. "Reflection of embedded knowledge culture in communications of Australian companies," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(2), pages 172-181, April.
    18. Costa, Eric & Soares, António Lucas & de Sousa, Jorge Pinho, 2016. "Information, knowledge and collaboration management in the internationalisation of SMEs: A systematic literature review," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 557-569.
    19. Eugenie Byukusenge & John C. Munene, 2017. "Knowledge management and business performance: Does innovation matter?," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 1368434-136, January.
    20. Wing Chow & Yang Chen, 2012. "Corporate Sustainable Development: Testing a New Scale Based on the Mainland Chinese Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 105(4), pages 519-533, February.
    21. Pedro Soto-Acosta & Ricardo Colomo-Palacios & Simona Popa, 2014. "Web knowledge sharing and its effect on innovation: an empirical investigation in SMEs," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 103-113, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Al-Emran, Mostafa & Mezhuyev, Vitaliy & Kamaludin, Adzhar & Shaalan, Khaled, 2018. "The impact of knowledge management processes on information systems: A systematic review," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 173-187.
    2. Epede, Mesumbe Bianca & Wang, Daoping, 2022. "Global value chain linkages: An integrative review of the opportunities and challenges for SMEs in developing countries," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(5).
    3. Andrea Lučić, 2020. "Measuring Sustainable Marketing Orientation—Scale Development Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-22, February.
    4. José Pla-Barber & Cristina Villar & German Benito-Sarriá, 2020. "Configurational Theory in Traditional Manufacturing Industries: A New Model of High-Performing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-16, August.
    5. Pascal Paillé & Yang Chen & Olivier Boiral & Jiafei Jin, 2014. "The Impact of Human Resource Management on Environmental Performance: An Employee-Level Study," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 121(3), pages 451-466, May.
    6. Stefano Denicolai & Antonella Zucchella & Federico Moretti, 2018. "Not So Similar After All: Exploring The Diversity Of Strategic Orientations For Innovation," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 22(04), pages 1-33, May.
    7. Daniel RUSU, 2022. "Association of Knowledge Management with Strategic Management: Directions and Trends at International Level," Management and Economics Review, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 7(1), pages 49-66, February.
    8. Pouria Ataei & Hassan Sadighi & Mohammad Chizari & Enayat Abbasi, 2020. "In-depth content analysis of conservation agriculture training programs in Iran based on sustainability dimensions," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 7215-7237, December.
    9. Abel D Alonso & Seng Kok, 2018. "A resource-based view and dynamic capabilities approach in the context of a region’s international attractiveness: The recent case of Western Australia," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 33(3), pages 307-328, May.
    10. Mustafa Ozkan & Kemal Cek & Serife Z. Eyupoglu, 2022. "Sustainable Development and Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in North Cyprus: The Mediating Effect of Customer Identification," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-13, April.
    11. Reginald Masocha & Olawale Fatoki, 2018. "The Impact of Coercive Pressures on Sustainability Practices of Small Businesses in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-14, August.
    12. Antonia Mercedes García-Cabrera & María Gracia García-Soto & Sonia María Suárez-Ortega, 2017. "Macro-level spillovers and micro-level capabilities as antecedents of young SMEs’ propensity to export and to become a born global," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 1199-1220, December.
    13. Roberto Vivona & Mehmet Akif Demircioglu & David B. Audretsch, 2023. "The costs of collaborative innovation," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(3), pages 873-899, June.
    14. Desiderio Romero-Jordán & Ismael Sanz-Labrador & José Félix Sanz-Sanz, 2020. "Is the corporation tax a barrier to productivity growth?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 55(1), pages 23-38, June.
    15. Daniel Amente KENEA, 2020. "The Role Of Innovation Strategy In Improving Organizational Performance And Productivity: Focus On Heineken Beverage Industry, Ethiopia," Annals of the University of Craiova for Journalism, Communication and Management, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 6(1), pages 31-56, December.
    16. Nieto, María Jesús & Santamaria, Luis & Bammens, Yannick, 2023. "Digitalization as a facilitator of open innovation: Are family firms different?," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    17. Manu Sharma & Deepak Kaushal & Sudhanshu Joshi, 2023. "Strategic measures for enhancing resiliency in knowledge base supply chains: an emerging economy perspective," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1185-1205, September.
    18. Bresciani, Stefano & Ferraris, Alberto & Del Giudice, Manlio, 2018. "The management of organizational ambidexterity through alliances in a new context of analysis: Internet of Things (IoT) smart city projects," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 331-338.
    19. Solomon Akele Abebe, 2023. "Refugee entrepreneurship: systematic and thematic analyses and a research agenda," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 315-350, January.
    20. Nadia Zahoor & Yong Kyu Lew, 2022. "Sustaining superior international performance: Strategic orientations and dynamic capability of environmentally concerned small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(3), pages 1002-1017, March.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Small and medium-sized enterprises; Small business management; Knowledge management; Knowledge; Systematic literature review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M0 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General
    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration
    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:74:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s11301-022-00299-0. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.